Description
This Quick Japanese Curry Ramen with Spicy Pork combines savory Japanese curry broth with tender, stir-fried spicy pork mince and fresh baby spinach served over perfectly cooked ramen noodles. Ready in just 15 minutes, this comforting and flavorful dish is an easy weeknight meal showcasing the rich flavors of Japanese curry, enhanced by spicy doubanjiang chili bean paste and topped with fresh spring onions and pickled ginger for a true taste of Japan.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth
- 1 litre (1 qt) chicken stock
- 8 pieces (150g or 5 oz) Japanese curry cubes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp mirin
Spicy Pork Mixture
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 300g (10.5 oz) pork mince
- 2 tbsp doubanjiang chilli bean paste
- 100g (3.5 oz) baby spinach
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Other
- Cooked ramen noodles
- 1 spring onion (scallion), trimmed and finely sliced
- Japanese pickled ginger, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare Boiling Water: Place a pot of water over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. This water will be used later to cook the ramen noodles.
- Make the Curry Broth: In a large pot, heat the chicken stock over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer. Add the Japanese curry cubes, soy sauce, and mirin. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the broth simmer for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the curry cubes have completely dissolved and the broth thickens slightly.
- Cook the Spicy Pork Mixture: While the broth simmers, heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the pork mince and stir-fry until it is nearly cooked through. Stir in the doubanjiang chili bean paste thoroughly. Add the baby spinach and soy sauce, and continue stir-frying for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Ramen Noodles: In the boiling water prepared earlier, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain the noodles well to remove excess water.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the cooked ramen noodles evenly between serving bowls. Ladle the hot Japanese curry broth over the noodles. Top with the spicy pork and spinach mixture. Sprinkle with finely sliced spring onion and serve with Japanese pickled ginger on the side. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of doubanjiang chili bean paste to control the spice level to your preference.
- You can substitute pork mince with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- Mirin adds sweetness and depth; if unavailable, a mix of sake and sugar can be used as a substitute.
- This recipe is best served immediately to enjoy the noodles at their perfect texture.
- Leftover curry broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but avoid reheating noodles to prevent them becoming soggy.
Keywords: Japanese curry ramen, spicy pork noodles, quick ramen recipe, Japanese noodle soup, curry broth, spicy pork mince, easy weeknight meal